OH- Televangelist allegedly ignored sexual abuse

OH- Televangelist allegedly ignored sexual abuse

Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Executive Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314-566-9790, davidgclohessy@gmail.com)

An Ohio televangelist church leader allegedly hid multiple allegations of abuse and sexually abused parishioners and associates himself. We are grateful to the brave victims, witnesses, whistleblowers and journalists who have brought these horrendous accusations and deeds to light.

Ernest Angley is the leader of Grace Cathedral in Cuyahoga Falls. The Akron Beacon Journal has been investigating a number of disturbing allegations surrounding Rev. Angley, including that he prodded women to get abortions and men to get vasectomies.

Rev. Angley admits asking boys to get naked and encouraging men to have vasectomies and examining them afterwards. He's accused of encouraging abortions and ignoring child sex abuse reports. He has no business pretending to be a spiritual figure. He should be investigated by law enforcement and, if possible, prosecuted.

We urge anyone in the community – whether victim, witness or whistleblower – to speak up now and safeguard innocent kids and vulnerable adults by exposing wrongdoers. We especially call on current and former church officials to act responsibly and share what they know or suspect about those who commit or conceal child sex crimes with the police, prosecutors, congregants and the public right away.

(SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, is the world's oldest and largest support group for clergy abuse victims. We've been around for 25 years and have more than 20,000 members. Despite the word "priest" in our title, we have members who were molested by religious figures of all denominations, including nuns, rabbis, bishops, and Protestant ministers. Our website is SNAPnetwork.org)